Taking off Travel blog

Albany International Airport (ALB) has come a long way since its origins as the first municipal landing site for planes on a polo field three miles north of the city. The airport played host to many of the most famous aviators of the early 20th century, including Charles Lindbergh. These days, it is a busy commercial airport, with around 180 arrivals and departures each day. We’ve already looked at attractions around JFK and LaGuardia, but what do you do on a layover in Albany?

State Capitol Staircase, Albany, NY

Exploring History

One of the best things to do in Albany is to explore the city’s history. As the oldest surviving European settlement from the original 13 colonies, it has a lot to explore. Options include the Georgian home of Revolutionary War general Philip Schuyler, which dates from 1761 and includes 18th century furniture and art. The Albany Institute of History and Art is another must see. It is one of the oldest museums in the US and was founded in 1791.

From Shakers To Slater

The Shakers played a major role in the area’s history, including providing some of the land that became part of the airport. The Shaker Heritage Society preserves this history and offers you the chance to visit America’s first Shaker settlement – a 770 acre site. Explore history from a different perspective by visiting the USS Slater, a refurbished Cannon Class destroyer escort. Also worth a look when it’s reopened is Cherry Hill, which houses a collection amassed by the Van Rensselaer and Rankin families over 176 years.

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